If a man finds himself with bread in both hands, he should exchange one loaf for some flowers of the narcissus, because the loaf feeds the body, but the the flowers feed the soul.
—The Prophet Muhammad
The Empress (a white peafowl) feeds those she loves, not just physically (wheat) but emotionally too. The heart chakra 'pillow' made from a wild ginger leaf shows where her priorities rest. The Great Mother creates, but she also continues to nurture what has been created. The bark of the white willow (left side of the card), has been used to reduce aches and fevers since the time of Hippocrates. And the Allium (scepter) herb has been used medicinally and as a spice. Keep the focus on the well-being of others and myself, she tells me. The Fairy Apron is a bladderwort - an aquatic plant with bladders that open when triggered by sensitive hairs on the plant. Microscopic organisms and insects that are sucked in are eaten by the plant. The guidance message of this plant suggests I pay attention to my triggers - what sets off my emotions - and look beneath them. If physical or emotional needs aren't being met, what can I do to change my priorities so that they are?
Perhaps if would take better care of ourselves, our tolerance level would probable increase radically and we would be less inclined to act on our triggers. When I am cranky and tired almost anything can set off my emotions
ReplyDeleteYes! I can be tired or hungry without realizing it until I make some kind of snarky remark. Only if I pause and ask "Where did that come from?" will I realize by not taking care of me, I can't care for others either.
DeleteOne of the biggest challenge I have I think, taking care of myself. It can be a burden that wears you down, but I keep on striving to make progress. I think many women struggle with this. Wouldn't it be nice to have some one to take care of us as much as we are always trying to take care of everyone else?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Bev. Thank you <3
I think many women feel they should be taken care of (a throw-back to "Leave It to Beaver" thinking). It takes courage to realize we are responsible for our own self-care, and if we're wise, we'll make it a priority. Easy to say, hard to do. :)
DeleteYou can't look after anyone else until you look after yourself first. Someone told me women should/usually learn this by the age of 30. Well into my forties now and still learning, unlearning, learning. I think I have said this before (several times)...life will keep sending lessons until learned...hope you find time for self care this weekend :)
DeleteMy guess for the actual age women start living this way would be in their fifties. :) I think there is a lot of shame to deal with when we make our first attempts.
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